Adam Ace returns to Liberty Theatre to perform Sept. 22

The laughter is coming back to Fort Scott next weekend.

Rising professional comedian Adam Ace, who last performed in Fort Scott in March 2006, is returning to perform a special show at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St.

The popular physical comedian was such a hit with local audiences last year that event organizers decided to bring Ace back for a return engagement, Liberty Theatre owner Jim Smith said. Ace, who performed in front of two large crowds last spring, enjoyed his time in Fort Scott so much that his agent booked another performance at the same venue next weekend, Smith said.

"I think he genuinely had a good time here," Smith said. "He was sort of getting away from all of that big city stuff. I think he had a good time in Fort Scott. He made a lot of jokes about Fort Scott that I thought were hilarious."

Ace, who hails from Lynchburg, Va., has appeared at comedy clubs, theaters, colleges and universities, hotels, casinos, cruise ships, nightclubs, and other venues throughout his career. Ace blends the use of props and audience interaction into his shows. His act, a mixture of the energy of Carrot Top and the physical comedy of Jim Carrey, is a far cry from that of an average comedian.

Smith said Ace's act, which more and more people across the country are hearing about, is nothing like that of a typical stand-up comedian.

"It's mainly sight gags," he said. "I mean he does tell some jokes, but a lot of it is visual."

Smith added that Ace's show is "clean entertainment" and appropriate for all ages. Some of Ace's jokes and physical comedy might be a little risqué for some people, but most people should enjoy the humor and entertainment Ace provides, Smith said.

"He's a good guy and he's really popular," Smith said.

In a story that appeared in the March 1, 2006, edition of The Fort Scott Tribune, Ace said he chose to perform comedy right out of college because, "I wasn't really good at anything else -- I just loved it." In that story, Ace also said his act is "hard to describe -- it's nothing like the stand-up comedian who stands there and tells jokes."

Ace also said at that time that he was greatly inspired by such famous comedians as Steve Martin, Howie Mandel, and Gallagher. Ace also said entertaining a crowd is "the most rewarding aspect of it (performing)," calling his act "escapism fun" and a "turn your brain off" type of comedy.

For more information about Ace's career and his current tour, visit his Web site at www.adamace.com. Ace performs more than 100 shows each year.

Smith said after his first show in Fort Scott, Ace changed agents but corresponded often with Liberty Theatre owners, saying that he wanted to return to Fort Scott to perform.

"He called and said he really wanted to come back," he said.

Smith said he took the time to watch both of Ace's shows last year and was even more impressed with the second show than he was with the first.

"I think the second night was funnier than the first night," he said.

The doors open for Ace's show at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets for the performance cost $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Visit www.fslibertytheatre.com on the Internet or call the theater at (620) 223-4060 for more ticket information.The laughter is coming back to Fort Scott next weekend.